Talking to Your Doctor
Bring nutrition into the conversation
It’s important to talk to your doctor when considering a change in diet, especially if you’re taking medication. But what if your doctor isn’t familiar with the benefits of plant-based nutrition? Or they’re actively discouraging you from making the change?
As a patient, you can be mindful of your physician’s guidance while prioritizing whole plant foods in your diet — and the results may even surprise your doctor.
I’ve recommended a whole food, plant-based diet to all my patients with prediabetes and diabetes. Those with prediabetes who made healthy lifestyle changes have been able to avoid starting medication. Those with diabetes have been able to reduce their insulin requirements. Nothing is more gratifying than helping patients optimize their health.
— Sapana Shah, MD, MPH, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
I have routinely implemented whole food, plant-based dietary advice in counseling many of my gastroenterology patients, and have found that this way of eating can help ameliorate a variety of clinical symptoms.
— Shilpa Ravella, MD, Columbia University Medical Center
How to Navigate the Conversation
Point to Leaders in Healthcare
More and more healthcare professionals are coming face to face with the power of plant-based nutrition in treating lifestyle-related diseases and maintaining long-term health.
One of the most credible resources you can share is the work of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). This fast-growing professional network includes clinicians from across disciplines who embrace “whole food, plant-predominant” nutrition as one of six core lifestyle pillars. Their website is a treasure trove of resources (including continuing education modules) and they put on an annual conference highlighting new research in the field. Other medical organizations of note are the Plantrician Project and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Share the Resources
In popular media, there’s a wealth of knowledge available from nutritional scientists, researchers, and physicians. Just note that doctors may be less persuaded by the books, podcasts, or films that captured your attention because they’ll want to validate the facts. That’s why we suggest the ACLM as a first stop for credibility.
If your doctor is curious about what you’ve read, heard, or watched, don’t hold back. Here are some of the evidence-based resources we recommend:
Know Your Facts
Equipping yourself with evidence-based facts makes it easier to express why you want to change your diet, or how you’ve made progress in a way your doctor thought wasn’t possible. If you’ve been struggling with a chronic disease, prepare a few talking points to help make your case in the exam room.
You can also share this journal article (and others), which summarizes plant-based diets for physicians. Send it through your healthcare provider’s portal or bring a printout to your appointment. We also suggest telling your doctor about PCRM’s Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, which is a free app that can be used in the exam room and is updated regularly with the latest science.
Welcome Input
When talking to your doctor (or anyone who cares for your health), stay open to suggestions and questions. Take on the responsibility of listening and responding thoughtfully.
Be mindful that doctors may be genuinely curious about the benefits and practicalities of a plant-based lifestyle, even if they still give preference to what they’ve learned from years of training.
Set a Goal
Be upfront with your doctor about your health goals. Need to lower your cholesterol or tackle painful digestive issues? Talk about tracking your results through lab work or keeping a diary of what you eat and how you feel.
If your physician opposes your decision to change your diet — or strongly advises you to start on medication or have a surgical procedure as soon as possible — suggest a predominantly plant-based diet for a trial period as a compromise. You can also consider making dietary changes alongside their recommended care plan if your health issues are truly acute.
Focus on Your Health
Avoid asking about your physician's food preferences and habits. Keep the conversation centered on you, your needs, and your understanding of plant-based nutrition and how it can benefit your health.
When All Else Fails…
If your doctor remains unsupportive, consider looking for a physician who is more open-minded. Check out the search options through Plantrician Providers and PCRM, and consider telehealth services if you don’t live near a plant-based provider.
If you live in New York City and have advanced disease, you may be eligible to access NYC Health + Hospitals’ Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine programs.
Please note that if you reach out to PPMNY about physician recommendations, we may be able to suggest individuals who are mission-aligned, but we cannot vouch for them professionally or whether they take insurance.
Conversation Starters
Try these out the next time you meet with your healthcare provider.
Or offer an example of a friend, loved one, or PPMNY community member who has experienced health improvements. Hear how others have changed their health for the better:
